The Best of Canadian Slang

After living in Canada for six years, I’ve (subconsciously) broadened my vocabulary and learnt some fantastic new words and phrases. In addition to my ‘quirky Britishisms’ (quoted from the wonderful M), I suppose I’m a colourful fusion of words.

Here, for your entertainment and amusement, are a list of my personal favourite Canadian words:

Boonies
– located in the middle of nowhere, far from an urban region
– ‘I live in the boonies, man. The nearest mall is over an hour away!’

Cougar
– an older woman, on an active pursuit for a younger man
– ‘Check out that cougar over there by the bar…she’s got her claws out tonight.’

Double-Double
– variations: ‘single-single’ or ‘triple-triple’
– used when ordering coffee to refer to the amount of cream/sugar desired
– ‘I’ll have a small double-double and a doughnut please’

Sketchy
– similar to: shady, dodgy
– a person, place or action that is untrustworthy, questionable or unsafe
– ‘I’d avoid that part of town late at night if I were you, it’s a bit sketchy’

Snowbirds
– (elderly) residents who leave Canada for the winter months and relocate somewhere warmer (Florida)
– ‘My grandparents are snowbirds. They don’t have to deal with this terrible weather we’re having right now.’

Two-Four
– a 24 pack of beer
–‘I’ve got to grab a two-four before the party tonight.’

These words and phrases (along with many others that I’ll likely only remember once I have hit the ‘publish’ button) are now fully integrated into my psyche – as is pouring maple syrup all over my cooked breakfasts and responding to every ‘thank you’ with a prompt, instantaneous, ‘you’re welcome’.

I suppose to others I might sound a little strange, with my ‘accent hiccups’ and my cross-cultural references, but as far as cocktails go, I’d say I’m a distinct one.

The Canadian alphabet (except ‘m’ should be ‘maple’ and ‘p’ should be ‘poutine’)